The common perception of ovarian cancer among women is that it affects older women who are generally in their 50s. However, the majority of people fail to realize that young women in their 20s and 30s can develop ovarian cancer. Women in their 20s and 30s can still receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis even though this outcome happens less frequently.
Women in their 20s and 30s frequently ignore early-stage ovarian cancer symptoms compared to women in their 50s. This is because they assume they are too young to be at risk. However, due to this negligence, it becomes hard to treat them as ovarian cancer progresses to an advanced stage.
Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer commonly include bloating, abdominal pain, irregular periods, reduced energy, and changes in bowel movements, which are usually linked to stress or hormonal problems and lead to delayed detection in young women, unlike older post-menopausal women where ovarian cancer is identified earlier.
This is why understanding what causes ovarian cancer at a young age is vital to seeking medical help when needed. This blog provides all the essential information about ovarian cancer in young women for those who want to protect their loved ones or stay informed about this condition.
What Causes Ovarian Cancer in Young Women?
Most people assume that ovarian cancer only affects older women, but the truth is that young women can get ovarian cancer, too. Here are some of the reasons why young women are at risk of developing ovarian cancer at an early age.
1. Genetic Factors and Hereditary Risks
Genetic factors play a major part in establishing the risk level for ovarian cancer development. Women who possess BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes face a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer during their younger years. Young women with cancer in their family history face an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
2. Hormonal Imbalance and Early Menstruation
Hormonal imbalances combined with early menstruation at an early age (before 12 years old) act as another factor leading to ovarian cancer in young women. Young women who have a history of irregular periods are also at risk of developing ovarian cancer. Additionally, women who undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at a young age experience hormonal disbalance, which could cause ovarian cancer.
3. Lifestyle
Tobacco products contain carcinogens that can increase inflammation risk and could also increase the chances of ovarian cancer. In addition, other factors like being obese or using certain products like talcum powder in the genital area may also increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
4. Long-Term Use of Birth Control Pills
Using oral contraceptives as a method to reduce ovarian cancer risk may seem beneficial, but extended usage can alter ovarian function, which triggers abnormal cell growth in ovaries.
5. Exposure to Estrogen-Mimicking Chemicals
Some products like plastic, cosmetics, skincare items, perfumes, etc, contain chemicals that can act like estrogen, which can disturb the body’s natural hormone balance, hence increasing the risk of developing ovarian cancer at a young age.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer in Young Women
Women who are in their 20s and 30s can also be affected by ovarian cancer, though they make up a smaller percentage in comparison to women in their 50s.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms in Women in Their 20s:
Women in their 20s can experience subtle symptoms, which can be overlooked by other health issues having similar symptoms. Some of the common symptoms that women in their 20s can experience are bloating, abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, increase in urination, changes in menstrual cycle, fatigue, difficulty in breathing and eating food, and indigestion.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms in Women in Their 30s:
Women in their 30s may encounter the same symptoms that young women in their 20s typically experience. They will also experience abdominal pain together with changes in bowel movements and urination patterns.
Women who are in their 30s may develop ovarian cancer symptoms, which include back pain and pain during intercourse, in addition to vomiting and nausea with hair thinning and skin colour changes, as well as swelling around the legs or feet.
Challenges in Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer in Young Women
There are certain challenges young women may face in diagnosing ovarian cancer.
For example, some symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, and fatigue can be associated with less severe health concerns that cause delays in treatment. Additionally, a lack of awareness about ovarian cancer also creates challenges in early detection through testing.
Some symptoms don’t immediately suggest or are related to ovarian cancer at first, like bloating, indigestion, and fatigue can be ignored, causing ovarian cancer to advance.
Treatment Options for Young Women with Ovarian Cancer
The treatment plan for young women who have ovarian cancer at ages 20 to 30 depends on their overall health status together with the cancer stage and type, as well as how extensively it has spread. This information allows doctors to select the appropriate treatment type.
The treatment options available for young women include:
- Surgery: This is best for early-stage ovarian cancer; the primary aim of this treatment is to remove as much as tumour cells as possible.
- Chemotherapy: This type of treatment seeks to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or eliminate cancer cells through powerful drugs.
- Targeted Therapy: Used to block ovarian cancer growth and minimize the risk of spread out while making sure healthy cells are not damaged.
- Hormonal Therapy: Best for young women in their 20s who particularly want to preserve their fertility.
- Hipec Surgery or Radiation Therapy: Advanced-stage ovarian cancer treatment requires the use of both HIPEC surgery and radiation therapy because cancer cells have migrated to distant body parts.
Ovarian cancer in young women needs more than treatment. Regular check-ups, along with diet tips for ovarian cancer, can help track recovery and well-being.
Conclusion
Ovarian cancer typically affects older women, but it can develop in younger women during their 20s and 30s as well. The possibility of advanced ovarian cancer diagnosis in younger women increases because their symptoms are not easily noticeable, and people falsely believe young women lack risk.
Knowledge about genetic predispositions as well as hormonal imbalances, along with certain lifestyle choices, plays a key role in detecting ovarian cancer early and treating it effectively.
Young women who gain proper awareness and receive timely medical care, along with advanced treatment options, can greatly increase their likelihood of successful outcomes. Anyone worried about ovarian cancer should get care from a specialist who has the necessary experience.
As an outstanding ovarian cancer specialist in Ahmedabad, Dr. Aditi Bhatt delivers diagnosis expertise and customized treatment strategies for every patient. Her combination of professional knowledge and compassionate care provides effective support and hope for women diagnosed with this difficult condition.
